Our Favourite Songs to Get Any Party Started

There’s a moment at every party when the energy shifts—the drinks are flowing, people are laughing, and suddenly, the right song hits. In an instant, feet tap, heads nod, and the dance floor calls. That magic moment doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the power of a perfectly chosen song.
 

As a band that’s played hundreds of weddings, corporate events, and parties across Australia, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve learned exactly which tracks light up a room. So whether you're curating your own party playlist or hiring live entertainment, here’s our ultimate list of favourites guaranteed to get any party started.
 

1. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

If we could bottle party energy, it would sound like this. With its infectious funk beat and Bruno Mars’ unmatched charisma, Uptown Funk is a modern classic. The second that opening riff kicks in, people can’t help but move. It’s fun, familiar, and totally danceable—perfect for getting the party out of neutral and into high gear.
 

2. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z

You can’t have a party without Queen Bey. Crazy in Love is one of those songs that crosses generations and gets everyone hyped. It’s got sass, soul, and serious rhythm. Whether you're in heels or sneakers, this track demands you move.
 

3. Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Okay, this one’s a bit of a curveball—but trust us. Mr. Brightside is one of the ultimate sing-along tracks. It taps into that euphoric, hands-in-the-air kind of energy that’s contagious. We often throw it in when the dance floor is buzzing and looking for a moment to belt out lyrics in unison. Works every time.
 

4. Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON

This indie-pop anthem is pure party gold. With its bouncy beat and romantic, rebellious energy, it gets people smiling and moving—especially younger crowds or weddings with a lot of mixed ages. It's a modern go-to that feels timeless.
 

5. September – Earth, Wind & Fire

A party staple for a reason. September never fails to bring joy. The groove is irresistible, and the chorus is pure happiness. Whether you're 18 or 80, this song gets you dancing. Bonus: everyone knows the lyrics (even if they’re just singing “Ba-dee-ya”).
 

6. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake

If you're after wholesome, feel-good fun, JT has you covered. Can’t Stop the Feeling is upbeat, family-friendly, and perfect for kicking off the dancing portion of any event. It’s also a great icebreaker early in the night when people are still warming up.
 

7. Superstition – Stevie Wonder

Soulful, funky, and full of groove—Superstition gets feet moving and heads nodding. It works especially well when played by a live band, with the opportunity for extended solos, brass sections, and crowd interaction.
 

8. I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

There’s something about Whitney’s timeless voice and this song’s pure joy that lifts the energy in any room. It's an anthem, especially for the ladies, and a sure-fire way to get everyone feeling fabulous and ready to dance.
 

9. Hey Ya! – OutKast

Quirky, catchy, and impossible to ignore. Hey Ya! brings a different kind of energy—offbeat, funky, and super fun. It’s great for loosening people up and breaking the ice on the dance floor. Plus, the “shake it like a Polaroid picture” moment never fails to raise smiles.
 

10. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

An iconic feel-good rock song that builds and builds. It’s powerful, fast-paced, and absolutely electric when played live. Freddie Mercury’s energy is infectious, and this track never fails to launch the party into overdrive.
 

11. Treasure – Bruno Mars

Yes, another Bruno track—and for good reason. Treasure brings smooth funk and pop charm that’s a nod to the disco era, but still sounds fresh. It works great for wedding receptions and corporate parties alike.
 

12. Blame It on the Boogie – The Jacksons

This one’s got that old-school party vibe that gets everyone smiling. It's funky, groovy, and hard to resist. Older guests love it for the nostalgia; younger guests love it because it just feels good.
 

13. Valerie – Amy Winehouse (Mark Ronson version)

A great bridge between modern and retro, Valerie is soulful, energetic, and instantly recognisable. We often use this one to build momentum early in the set—it gets people swaying, smiling, and singing along.
 

14. Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams

This funky anthem has an irresistible groove that gets heads nodding and hips swaying. It’s smooth, modern, and great for transitioning into a more energetic part of the night. It’s cool, classy, and dance-friendly.
 

15. Dancing Queen – ABBA

A timeless crowd-pleaser. Dancing Queen is an intergenerational favourite—grannies love it, millennials love it, and everyone sings along. It’s the kind of track that unites the room and fills the floor, especially at weddings and themed parties.
 

Honorable Mentions: Crowd-Dependent Classics

Depending on the crowd, these can also be amazing:
 

• Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (for rock lovers)

• Tik Tok – Kesha (for millennial throwback fun)

• Levitating – Dua Lipa (for modern pop fans)

• Yeah! – Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris (for high-energy urban flair)

• Shake It Off – Taylor Swift (great for teen and pop-loving crowds)
   

Pro Tip: Timing Is Everything

Knowing when to play a song is just as important as what song to play. Starting with too much energy too soon can backfire—people might not be ready. Ease into the party mood, gauge the crowd, and build the momentum naturally. That’s where professional bands and DJs shine: we read the room, feel the energy, and drop the right song at just the right moment.
 

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Playlist

There’s no single formula for the perfect party—but the right song at the right time can transform a gathering into a celebration. Whether you’re putting together a playlist or trusting the pros, it helps to know which songs bring guaranteed good vibes.

These are just some of our favourites, but the real magic happens when the music connects with the people in the room. That’s what we aim for at every gig: not just to play music, but to start something unforgettable.

So next time you’re planning an event and wondering which songs will really get the party started—you’ve got the list. Or better yet, bring in a band that already knows how to work the room and light the spark.